Empire Diner — Restaurant in New York

First let me start by saying I was thrilled to see this little gem up and running again. I was so excited walking by this restaurant seeing it open yet again and very proud to see that it was not closed down. I decided to spend a little money to show them my love. Sadly after ordering for takeout I was told that it’s company policy that I pay for my food before they could fire it up. I was taken aback by that and I didn’t see anyone else that ordered take out have to do the same. So what was so different about my family and I that they chose to ask us to do this?. So it was quite obvious when I looked around my family is brown and black people and we were the only ones brown and black people there. Even the staff here you couldn’t find any brown or black people. The only good thing about this diner was the host he was amazing, kind and tried so hard to make us feel comfortable in an unwelcoming environment. The kind host told us to have a seat in the outside dining area that was completely empty while we wait for our food. We all made our way to the seats and my child decided to grab a seat that was closest to her. Unfortunately we sat at the table next to her and I hadn’t even had time to sit and tell her come with us when the general manager stormed out the restaurant and demanded that we all sit together because they were setting up the tables. Needless to say they didn’t bother to set up the tables as it was going to rain but did the general manager even apologize to us for her rude ways? No she did not she just lifted one side of her face in disgust turned around and stomped back to whatever corner she crawled out of. I must say I’ve never really experienced this level of racism and we all looked at each other in disbelief. Did this just happen to us? Yes it did sad but true. Let’s just say the only thing missing from this diner is a sign that reads whites only. Totally thinking of returning with a crowd of my people just to record the look on her face when we try to enjoy a meal and support a local business. Shameful that this kind of stuff still exist her parents must be so proud to know that they raised a racist child. Bravo miss GM you have successfully alienated the majority of the brown and black people of the world. Also the 2 orders of black truffle fries consisted of old fries that tasted like the fries that fall to side while cooked and were meant to be discarded and not served. The fries were also not placed in any type of to go container or plates. They just threw expensive black truffle fries into brown paper bags, yucky and no class. The pastrami sandwich was tasteless aside from the mustard. If your going to have high end prices then please spend some money on some proper...

Absolutely terrible service and experience. Had lunch here today and it was one of the worst dining experiences I've had in Manhattan. We were looking forward to trying one of the few remaining retro diners in NYC and we liked the atmosphere and decor. I don't usually write negative reviews as I get that operating a restaurant must be quite challenging, especially in NYC, but this experience was particularly egregious. From start to finish, everything went wrong: Service Issues:

Sat down and waited several minutes before receiving menus or even water - especially disappointing for a diner where you expect quick, efficient service and the ability to order promptly. Food took 45 minutes to arrive, and only after we asked the wait staff twice and then had to get up and approach the manager directly. When we spoke to the manager about the delay, he showed zero empathy and casually mentioned that only one entrée was ready - at that point we almost left. While the staff eventually mentioned they were backed up, they should have proactively communicated delays instead of forcing us to repeatedly ask about our order after 30 and 45 minutes - basic restaurant service means keeping customers informed. We watched other customers who arrived around the same time get served and leave before we even received our food. Staff seemed completely indifferent to our situation, were quite patronizing in their tone, and offered no genuine apologies.

Food Quality:

My omelette arrived burned - something I've never experienced at a restaurant before. Given the long wait, you'd expect the food to at least be prepared properly.

Final Issues:

While they did remove the milkshake and latte from our bill (about $15), the card reader still calculated tip options including tax on the discounted items. The gesture felt hollow given how poorly we were treated throughout the meal.

This restaurant appears to have serious service problems. All four of us were pretty disappointed to kick off our Memorial Day Monday like this. The staff and manager seemed to have completely forgotten about our table. For the prices they charge in Manhattan, this level of service is completely unacceptable. Save your time and money and go literally...

Joe and Alyssa Name a better duo? That was a trick because there is no one better, how dare you!?!?

Alyssa is professional, approachable and has the wine knowledge every bar needs. The diner does not carry the wine(s) I usually order, Alyssa listened to my preferences, and picked a perfect wine for my picky palate first thing. There was also a perfect balance of knowing when we needed to be approached for food or more wine.

In comes Joe. WHAT!?!?! I was not ready for the superb service. Fun, customer service that should be emulated by most, very knowledgeable of the menu and the industry as a whole. He also created a drink that was spectacular. If you want a specialty drink, while an infectious happiness keeps you smiling? Go to Joe.

The venue is very classic diner, clean, nostalgic, everything is where it should be... I have nothing negative to say about the place. The hostess was also very welcoming and warm on such a cold day outside. All waitstaff treat you like you are their table, super professional and accommodating. Though we stopped by for a glass of wine, we enjoyed a couple of appetizers, and I will have to say for someone who is not a fan of broccolini, I ate it all (spicy and delish).

Empire Diner is the perfect place to dip into for a bite or drink at a bar. It will be exactly what you need it to be when it comes to food, drinks and staff. Whoever hires and manages this diner knows what they are doing.

I will definitely return and will visit any other location where Alyssa and Joe can be found. I strongly suggest you all do the same!

oh - a pair left without finishing their...